By now, you probably use your smartphone for just about everything: texting, watching movies, turn-by-turn GPS directions, etc. But what about as a replacement for your wallet? With mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay, you can use your debit or credit card for in-store purchases without ever having to pull out a piece of plastic.
One of the most convenient features is that there is no need to verify your identity to a merchant by providing photo identification. Instead, this authentication process takes place directly on your device. Plus, the merchant never gets access to any of your credit card details because the app generates a unique token for each purchase, which is then verified by the card network.
All three provide consumers with fast, convenient and, most importantly, secure payment options that are rapidly becoming accepted almost everywhere. Here’s a closer look at how each of them works.
Google Pay is available to any consumers with an Android device . It’s accepted at millions of locations around the world. In addition to using Google Pay to make purchases, you can also use it to send and receive money.
To make an in-store purchase using Google Pay, you need to turn on the NFC payment function in your phone’s settings. Then, when you’re at the checkout line, wake up your phone screen and unlock your phone. You don’t need to open the Google Pay app – simply hold the back of your phone near the contactless payment reader until you see a blue checkmark on the screen. If prompted, follow any additional instructions displayed.
Samsung Pay is for Samsung device users, specifically the Galaxy. It’s widely accepted thanks to its use of magnetic secure transmission technology, which emulates the magnetic strip of a credit card. This allows it to be used on conventional magnetic strip credit card readers at the point of sale.
To make an in-store purchase using the Samsung Pay app, open the app on your phone, tap “pay” and choose the credit or debit card you want to use. Next, select “PIN” to enter your passcode, or use iris authentication. Alternatively, you can use the fingerprint scanner if you have it set up.
Once the transaction has been authenticated, hold the top of your phone close to the contactless reader and follow any prompts to complete the transaction.
Apple Pay is a mobile payment app designed for Apple devices. iPhone users can make in-store purchases, buy apps and perform web transactions with Apple Pay. It can also be used to send or receive money to and from family and friends.
To use Apple Pay in stores that accept it, simply hold the top of your phone close to the contactless reader. You can also use Apple Pay as an in-app payment method when you see it listed as a payment option.
Will I be able to call long distance to Maryland .Nelsonmay
Hi Joseph, thank you for posting. Nationwide long-distance calling is available with our service at no extra cost.
Love the consumer Cellular
Cellphone
Does it get reception here by the. Dyno Plant?
We appreciate the interest, Linda. The best way to view our coverage is by going to https://www.consumercellular.com/coverage. You can enter your address and view the coverage we offer. We use the nation’s largest GSM networks and cover 99% of the U.S. population.
I set up account with Google pay says I cannot use this device to pay at stores.No NFC settings.
Thanks for posting, Craig. Our records show that both of your phones don’t have NFC built-in. The only phones we have available that come with NFC built-in are the Samsung Galaxy A21, S20, S20FE, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G, and the Apple iPhones.
After being a CC customer for 6 years, I am sorry to say that I will be leaving you for the sole reason that you do not support the Series 6 Apple Watch. I love my Apple products and their watch costs far too much money to not utilize all of its’ technology. I don’t understand why you are not changing with the times? Otherwise, I do love your service.
Hi H. L., thanks for your post. I’m sorry to hear that you’ll be canceling your service, but appreciate you letting us know what’s going on. At this time, I have passed along your feedback on this and sent the suggestion along with it. If there is anything else that we can help with, let us know by giving us a call at 800-686-4460 or by chatting with us here.
Do you accept Apple Pay?
That’s a great question, Jan. We do not accept Apple Pay.
I wish Consumer Cellular would rethink their position and offerings for payment types. Such capabilities as in app payment using Apple Pay or similar methods and including PayPal etc would be an improvement. Seniors today are not like those of the past. We are extremely versed in the digital world and are more active and mobile. We do not carry credit cards and utilize digital wallets as our payment methods. From digital payments at the grocery store to in app purchases at the gas pump we do it all digitally. I love Consumer Cellular, they are just getting to be behind the times in a few aspects.
Thank you for taking the time to post, Mike. We appreciate your feedback about available payment options and will pass it along. Have a great day!
How I payer my phone bill online so do I pay it